Chapter 45 One Right Choice

• "This is the Dance of Illusions," Kali explained, her tone grave. "Here, you must distinguish what is real from what is not. The illusions will try to deceive you, to disorient you. Trust your instincts, Dorian, but remember—perception can be flawed. You must use more than just your eyes to guide you."
• The mist closed in around me, and Kali's voice dissolved into it as she vanished from sight. I was alone now; the only sound was that of the whispers far away. Shapes moved in the fog; their forms shifting and fluttering like candle flames in a breeze.
• With a cautious step forward, the mist broke, and the scenery unfolded to become almost familiar—a moonlit clearing, circled around with tall pines. And in the middle was Amelia, her back toward me, her dark hair glowing in the wan light.